Product Description

Art students and ambitious amateur artists who turn to this volume will find detailed training for creating original and distinctive works of sculpture. Karin Hessenberg, an experienced sculptor, opens with extensive advice on setting up the workplace and assembling tools and equipment. She begins instruction with a how-to course on clay modeling that includes five separate projects, four of which culminate with kiln firing. The book's second major section presents five projects that teach the craft of molding and casting, using a variety of materials that include plaster in combination with modeling clay, wire, and concrete. A section on direct building presents two projects in which various materials—wood, wire mesh, and other objects—are applied to their frameworks to create finished sculptures. A final section for advanced sculptors offers five projects for carving—in soapstone, alabaster, limestone, lumber, and a log. In total, this volume presents projects for 17 finished pieces. Subjects include a seated Buddha, a female figure, animals, and several fascinating abstract shapes. This handsome book is printed in four-color throughout and features more than 250 instructive illustrations.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #88467 in Books
• Published on: 2005-09-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 128 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780764158438
• Condition: USED - GOOD
• Notes:
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From the Back Cover
[back cover]
This practical guidebook teaches everything you need to know in order to start sculpting. Step-by-step photographs guide you through each sculpting process from start to finish.

Develop your skills with a range of materials, including clay, plaster, and wood. Progressive projects teach a broad range of skills, from modeling, carving, building armatures, and mold making to firing and finishing techniques.
Once you’ve mastered the core techniques for clay modeling, modling and casting, direct building, and carving, each project will teach you a new skill. You can explore your creativity and build your confidence as you go along.

[flap copy]

This book allows the absolute beginner to start sculpting with confidence. In addition to teaching the necessary practical skills, it also instructs the readers to use materials creatively, encouraging their own sense of shape and form. Sculpture includes a wide range of methods, and all of the basic techniques are clearly explained: clay modeling, firing, molding, direct building, and carving. At the beginning of each section there is instruction in the core techniques, and the inspirational projects allow you to explore your creativity and put your new-found skills into practice. The projects explore a wide range of sculptural forms and themes; you can create a traditional figure, a symbolic composition, or an abstract relief based on the landscape.

Packed with full-color photography and instructional diagrams, useful tips, and important health and safety information, Sculpting Basics has everything you need to know to become a skilled sculptor. It is an invaluable resource for beginners and a handy reference for more experienced sculptors.

About the Author
Karin Hessenberg has exhibited widely in her native England and other countries, and her work is in the collections of several museums. She is the author of previously published books on ceramics and on sawdust firing, and has taught her art at various colleges in Britain. Karin lives and works in the north of England.

Customer Reviews

great info to begin sculpting
I teach intro to Sculpture at a CA university and I am really impressed with the basic info in the book. I have recommended it to my students. It covers a wide range of materials and processes. Most do not require kiln firing which makes it easier for the majority of beginners that do not have access to a kiln.

Good book for sculpting ideas and projects
This book has project for all levels of skill. If you want easy projects to make for students I think this book has great ideas.

A have to have book!
I borrowed this book from the library and discovered that this ONE book has all the information I need to get started! It's a great book and I recommend purchasing (as I did) for your own library if there is ANY kind of sculpture you want to explore. This book will get you started with easy to understand instructions and great step-by-step pictures.